How does EA decide on the cost of Premium items?

Zomboy716

That's a good question. I wonder too! :shock:

fluffling

I've wondered that too.
I think one things that matters is how wanted the character is, if everyone online desperately wants a character EA can bet that people will buy it even if it's more expensive than it's worth.
I wonder how they decided the whale was going to be 300donuts though :shock:

LPNintendoITA

whale: lets test how much the collectors would spend

shafanator108

Zomboy716 wrote:

What are the factors that lead EA to determine the cost of a premium item?

Do they base it on the amount of visual tasks?
Size of building?
Quantity? (character and building)
Popularity of the character?
Apprearence?
Task list?
Location playability? (Springfield and Krustyland)
Voiced?
Payout of Building?
Or do they just slap on a random price that they think seems good?

They have a rotating dart board. The intern that is the drunkest at the time throws a dart and that is how it is priced.

jraffa50

They spin a wheel. Everybody loves wheels.....

Zomboy716

LPNintendoITA wrote:

whale: lets test how much the collectors would spend

I'm going to add in: "How much they want the completionists to spend?". And: "Multiplier amount?".

TzipiTzipora

jraffa50 wrote:

They spin a wheel. Everybody loves wheels.....

ZennGlenn

8) Drunken darts & spinning wheels are certainly part of the complex equation... 8)

Outdoor annual Saint Patty's eve kegathon of Duff Beer / # of darts hitting the spinning dart wheel
+ inclement weather & wind speed % - # of sober interns / incongruent triangulation of parallel tangents
- mood &/or temperature of oldest executive * % of any given available lack of sales of particular old items
+ cosign of actual weight of new item * variable tax incentives + studio overhead & applicable indecipherable fees
+ square of pie * # french fries, hotdogs & burgers & **** left unconsumed
= actual cost in TSTO Donuts

(Give or take moods of graphic designer, producer, & anyone else that hasn't puked or passed out at 4:20am dedicated reconnoiter of decision)

...but that's hearsay so you didn't hear it from me neigboreenos :twisted:

neuroheart

I've often wondered this.

roshigoth1

fluffling wrote:

I think one things that matters is how wanted the character is, if everyone online desperately wants a character EA can bet that people will buy it even if it's more expensive than it's worth.

Funny thing, that... but I've seen them release some of the characters that were fairly in-demand at very reasonable prices (Mrs. Bouvier, Uter). Then they slap higher price tags on the lesser-known characters (King Winter, Greta).

I think the drunken wheel of dartboard death is to blame.

Bravewall

There isn't a lot of thought put in to it. Trust me.

barryriddl474

I totally agree that the whale was a test to check the market. On other items, I believe that this forum speaks loudly for what may be in demand. Facebook isn't a good area for feedback and many other forums don't have the population that this one has. This forum is ideal for EA to gauge reactions and wants. They don't even have to ask for feedback here, but most are eager to give it. I would love to own a business where I could get this amount of feedback, for a minimal investment, and charge people over $20 for a piece of virtual happiness, but that's unlikely.
Don't get me wrong. I've spent some money on the game and I understand this is a business to make money.
I'm sure all factors are scrutinized when determining a price based on past sales results.

I would like to see price based on desirability, amount of visual tasks, and if the character is voiced with proper funny lines instead of toilet related grunts.

Honestly, some of the pricing decisions have baffled me.

barryriddl474

Bravewall wrote:

There isn't a lot of thought put in to it. Trust me.

May I ask, is this based on more than your opinion?

ZennGlenn

Well I enjoyed hamming it up & spewing out my litany of humor but since we're steering towards more level headed comments I'll just chime in w/ agreement of what Barry just said taking in mind outdoor tasks & audio, while I now play catch-up w/my newly obtained Elf Cave...

(...Although my equation may not have been far off )

realmrsupra

ZennGlenn wrote:

Well I enjoyed hamming it up & spewing out my litany of humor but since we're steering towards more level headed comments I'll just chime in w/ agreement of what Barry just said taking in mind outdoor tasks & audio, while I now play catch-up w/my newly obtained Elf Cave...

(...Although my equation may not have been far off )

I fully agree with your equation. It completely explains why the whale is 300 donuts. That was the day the executive was running a fever. That variable greatly affected the price. Plus, the flux capacitation disidulation valve port was likely clogged....

drosax1

i think they follow these principles

ZennGlenn

Ahhhh, yes Drosax & Realm... There we go. Now we're hitting the mark :!:
Can't forget to factor that flux capacitation incongruent & that Freemium Isn't Free :twisted:

AJtheboss1

Bravewall wrote:

There isn't a lot of thought put in to it. Trust me.

I think someone's got an inside scoop

Care to share some details?

joking!

NOVA_POLARI

I think this is how they decide the prices.

hughejars

I guess they ask themselves how much players are willing to choke up, e.g. Barney's bowlarama 250 donuts I'd have to buy 300 donuts £13.99(about $20) (with 50 donuts change) is this worth it for one item, I don't think so personally :?

hughejars

drosax1 wrote:

i think they follow these principles

Love that episode - spells it out exactly